April 2025 Auction

Hibiki 21 Year Old Ceramic Arita Decanter 2006 Release

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is typically presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. Unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies in recent years have seen the discontinuation of most age-statements, and only the 21 year old and a premium 30 year old remain part of the Hibiki portfolio.

The Arita and Kutani ceramic decanters were an annual limited 21 year old release from Suntory, bottled between 2001 and 2014. Arita and Kutani are the pre-eminent ceramic houses in Japan, both located on the island of Kyushu. Each year, both houses design a decanter each, and they are all hand-painted.

This is the Arita 2006 release, bottled \"for the year 2007.\"

Highland Park 1967 Single Cask 37 Year Old #10197 75cl

Highland Park was built by David Robertson all the way back in 1798. The distillery's relationship with blenders, Robertson & Baxter, saw it acquired by Highland Distillers in 1937, who were subsequently bought by Edrington in 1999, who run it today. The modern Highland Park single malt brand was first officially bottled in the 1970s, with the release of an 8 year old age statement, but distillery bottlings first appeared around the 1950s. The look of the brand has changed many times over the years, but its cult following and popularity has never diminished. It remains one of the most recognisable single malts in the world to this day.

This Highland Park was distilled in 1967 and matured in single cask #10197 for 37 years. It was bottled in 2004 for the Asian market.

One of 480 bottles.

Highland Park 1982 Gordon and MacPhail Private Collection

Highland Park was built by David Robertson all the way back in 1798. The distillery's relationship with blenders, Robertson & Baxter, saw it acquired by Highland Distillers in 1937, who were subsequently bought by Edrington in 1999, who run it today. The modern Highland Park single malt brand was first officially bottled in the 1970s, with the release of an 8 year old age statement, but distillery bottlings first appeared around the 1950s. The look of the brand has changed many times over the years, but its cult following and popularity has never diminished. It remains one of the most recognisable single malts in the world to this day.

This whisky was distilled in 1982 and aged in single refill ex-Sherry puncheon #1155. It was bottled at cask strength in 2022.

Gordon & MacPhail are one of the largest and most recognisable whisky companies in the world. Although they began distilling at the newly refurbished Benromach distillery in 1998, for most of their history they were an independent bottler. Their labels are recognised by whisky lovers the world over, and their licensed bottlings from distillery's like Macallan and Talisker in the 1970s and 1980s, when the companies were not bottling themselves, are a huge part of the success of those distillers today.

This is part of the Private Collection range from the Elgin-based bottlers. As of 2018, this line fully replaced the Rare Old series as its most premium offerings, and come exceptionally presented in decadent glass bottles.

One of 202 bottles.

Hennessy Paradis Imperial Cognac First Edition

When the Irish Jacobite, Richard Hennessy, founded a distillery in 1765, he could not have possibly foreseen the scale to which his fledgling business would grow. Hennessy found himself in the right place at the right time as trade in alcoholic spirits was booming, extremely popular not only with the French but also with many people within the British Empire. In addition, Hennessy and the other cognac producers at the time also benefitted from rum shortages due to the Seven Years War. Fast forward to the 1970s and Kilian Hennessy, a fifth-generation descendant of Richard became the CEO of the family business. In 1971 she oversaw the merger of the business with French wine giant, Moët & Chandon, which created one of the biggest drinks companies in the world. The business was further strengthened in 1987 by the merger with fashion house, Louis Vuitton to create LVMH, however due to a managerial crisis the following year, Guinness (now Diageo) also came on board by securing a 34% share. Today Hennessy sell around 50 million bottles of cognac per year and account for more than 40% of the world’s supply.

The Paradis Impérial is a blend of Eaux de Vie from the 19th and 20th centuries and is inspired by the blend produced for Tsar Alexander I in 1818.

This is the first edition, introduced in 2011 and presented in an elegant decanter and display case designed by Stéphanie Balini.

NOTE: Please note that the stoppers on these decanters are incredibly loose. Though some include plastic seals, most are held in place only with a thin wire, and the stopper and cork have signifcant freedom of movement. Whisky Auctioneer Ltd cannot be held liable for any leakage/damage caused whilst the bottle is in transit, including lots sent using Loss & Breakage Assurance.

Please note due to the size of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Hennessy Paradis Imperial Cognac First Edition

When the Irish Jacobite, Richard Hennessy, founded a distillery in 1765, he could not have possibly foreseen the scale to which his fledgling business would grow. Hennessy found himself in the right place at the right time as trade in alcoholic spirits was booming, extremely popular not only with the French but also with many people within the British Empire. In addition, Hennessy and the other cognac producers at the time also benefitted from rum shortages due to the Seven Years War. Fast forward to the 1970s and Kilian Hennessy, a fifth-generation descendant of Richard became the CEO of the family business. In 1971 she oversaw the merger of the business with French wine giant, Moët & Chandon, which created one of the biggest drinks companies in the world. The business was further strengthened in 1987 by the merger with fashion house, Louis Vuitton to create LVMH, however due to a managerial crisis the following year, Guinness (now Diageo) also came on board by securing a 34% share. Today Hennessy sell around 50 million bottles of cognac per year and account for more than 40% of the world’s supply.

The Paradis Impérial is a blend of Eaux de Vie from the 19th and 20th centuries and is inspired by the blend produced for Tsar Alexander I in 1818.

This is the first edition, introduced in 2011 and presented in an elegant decanter and display case designed by Stéphanie Balini.

NOTE: Please note that the stoppers on these decanters are incredibly loose. Though some include plastic seals, most are held in place only with a thin wire, and the stopper and cork have signifcant freedom of movement. Whisky Auctioneer Ltd cannot be held liable for any leakage/damage caused whilst the bottle is in transit, including lots sent using Loss & Breakage Assurance.

Please note due to the size of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Yamazaki Mizunara Cask 2012

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

This 2012 limited edition has been matured in Japanese Mizunara oak casks.

Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara Cask / Suntory Whisky 100th Anniversary

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

This 18 year old has been entirely matured in Mizunara oak casks, and bottled in 2023 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Suntory Whisky.

One of 2,000 bottles.

Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara Cask / Suntory Whisky 100th Anniversary

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

This 18 year old has been entirely matured in Mizunara oak casks, and bottled in 2023 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Suntory Whisky.

One of 2,000 bottles.

Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara Cask / Suntory Whisky 100th Anniversary

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

This 18 year old has been entirely matured in Mizunara oak casks, and bottled in 2023 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Suntory Whisky.

One of 2,000 bottles.

Yoichi Limited Edition 2019

A Japanese single malt bottling from Nikka's flagship distillery in Hokkaido. Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a former Suntory employee who had studied at the University of Glasgow, and later trained as a blender at the now lost Hazelburn distillery in Campbeltown.  Taketsuru opened the Yoichi distillery in the same year as establishing the company, modelling its pot stills on the long-necked design of the Longmorn stills in Speyside.

This 2019 limited edition was produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Nikka's other famous distillery, Miyagikyo. The whisky itself is a vatting of casks from five different decades, including a portion from the 1960s.

Hennessy Paradis Imperial Cognac First Edition

When the Irish Jacobite, Richard Hennessy, founded a distillery in 1765, he could not have possibly foreseen the scale to which his fledgling business would grow. Hennessy found himself in the right place at the right time as trade in alcoholic spirits was booming, extremely popular not only with the French but also with many people within the British Empire. In addition, Hennessy and the other cognac producers at the time also benefitted from rum shortages due to the Seven Years War. Fast forward to the 1970s and Kilian Hennessy, a fifth-generation descendant of Richard became the CEO of the family business. In 1971 she oversaw the merger of the business with French wine giant, Moët & Chandon, which created one of the biggest drinks companies in the world. The business was further strengthened in 1987 by the merger with fashion house, Louis Vuitton to create LVMH, however due to a managerial crisis the following year, Guinness (now Diageo) also came on board by securing a 34% share. Today Hennessy sell around 50 million bottles of cognac per year and account for more than 40% of the world’s supply.

The Paradis Impérial is a blend of Eaux de Vie from the 19th and 20th centuries and is inspired by the blend produced for Tsar Alexander I in 1818.

This is the first edition, introduced in 2011 and presented in an elegant decanter and display case designed by Stéphanie Balini.

NOTE: Please note that the stoppers on these decanters are incredibly loose. Though some include plastic seals, most are held in place only with a thin wire, and the stopper and cork have signifcant freedom of movement. Whisky Auctioneer Ltd cannot be held liable for any leakage/damage caused whilst the bottle is in transit, including lots sent using Loss & Breakage Assurance.

Please note due to the size of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Hanyu 23 Year Old Ichiro's Malt Cask Strength​

Another stunning bottle from Ichiro Akuto's Ichirio's Malt.  This is a vatting of whisky distilled in 1985 and 1986, fully matured in sherry casks before bottling at full strength 23 years later.

Since its stills were turned off in 2000, Hanyu has become one of Japan's most sought after single malts. An economic recession at the turn of the millennium forced the distillery to shut its doors, and the remaining casks of its unblended whisky stock were purchased by Venture Whisky, a firm established by the Hanyu distillery founder's grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2004. In 2005 he bottled his first single casks under the Ichiro's Malt label.

Highland Park 1960 18 Year Old / Ferraretto Import

Highland Park was built by David Robertson all the way back in 1798. The distillery's relationship with blenders, Robertson & Baxter, saw it acquired by Highland Distillers in 1937, who were subsequently bought by Edrington in 1999, who run it today. The modern Highland Park single malt brand was first officially bottled in the 1970s, with the release of an 8 year old age statement, but distillery bottlings first appeared around the 1950s. The look of the brand has changed many times over the years, but its cult following and popularity has never diminished. It remains one of the most recognisable single malts in the world to this day.

This is one of a number of vintage bottlings produced by the distillery in the 1970s and early 1980s for the Italian importer, Ferraretto.

Highland Distillers bottled several Highland Park releases in this style, as well as some Tamdhu using a very similar aesthetic. This bottle shape would later become the hallmark of their new Bunnahabhain single malt brand.

Highland Park 1957 Cadenhead's 21 Year Old​

Highland Park was built by David Robertson all the way back in 1798. The distillery's relationship with blenders, Robertson & Baxter, saw it acquired by Highland Distillers in 1937, who were subsequently bought by Edrington in 1999, who run it today. The modern Highland Park single malt brand was first officially bottled in the 1970s, with the release of an 8 year old age statement, but distillery bottlings first appeared around the 1950s. The look of the brand has changed many times over the years, but its cult following and popularity has never diminished. It remains one of the most recognisable single malts in the world to this day.

This Highland Park was distilled in March 1966 and matured in a single cask for 21 years. It was bottled by Wm. Cadenhead in February 1988.

Wm. Cadenhead are Scotland's oldest independent bottler, operating for over 175 years, but perhaps none of their bottlings are as sought after as these 'dumpy' style bottles. These were produced with brown glass and an iconic black label (white for the occasional grain whisky), with each distillery given its own letterpress font in homage to William Cadenhead's early career in the printing business.

Hakushu Sherry Cask 2012

Hakushu was the third distillery built by Suntory, established in 1973 to shoulder some of the malt production burden for Yamazaki. The latter’s grain production had moved entirely to the new Chita distillery the year prior as well. Hakushu was built at the foot of the Southern Japan Alps, a location deliberately chosen by Suntory to provide a contrast to the style of spirit produced at Yamazaki. Interestingly, a second distillery was built in 1981 (referred to as Hakushu East) which has stills of varying shapes and sizes which are able to produce a wide range of distillate character. This is in contrast to the now-dormant old site (referred to as Hakushu West) which had 24 large stills identical in shape and size, but only capable of producing one particular style of distillate. The first Hakushu single malt was bottled in 1994.

A very limited release from Hakushu, this was matured exclusively in sherry casks and limited to 3,000 bottles.

Hibiki 17 Year Old Kacho Fugetsu Limited Edition

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar.  The 17 year old was joined in the original lineup by a 21 year old and a non-age statement. The latter both still exist in one form or another, but this expression was discontinued in 2018 after unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies created wholesale stock shortages within even its largest companies.

This limited edition follows the theme of Kacho Fugetsu, the Japanese Kanji for Flowers, Birds, Breeze, and Lunar. This bottle is designed to embody the beauty of Japanese nature.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt Cask #359 / A Decade as Number One

This release marks the tenth anniversary of Number One Drinks Company.

Since its stills were turned off in 2000, Hanyu has become one of Japan's most sought after single malts. An economic recession at the turn of the millennium forced the distillery to shut its doors, and the remaining casks of its unblended whisky stock were purchased by Venture Whisky, a firm established by the Hanyu distillery founder's grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2004. In 2005 he bottled his first single casks under the Ichiro's Malt label.

A single cask bottling of Hanyu's final vintage matured in Red Oak Hogshead #359

Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara Oak 2024 Edition

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

This Yamazaki was matured entirely in Japanese Mizunara oak casks for 18 years, and bottled in 2024 as part of that year's Tsukuriwake Selection.

Highland Park 12 Year Old 1970s / Ferraretto Import

Highland Park was built by David Robertson all the way back in 1798. The distillery's relationship with blenders, Robertson & Baxter, saw it acquired by Highland Distillers in 1937, who were subsequently bought by Edrington in 1999, who run it today. The modern Highland Park single malt brand was first officially bottled in the 1970s, with the release of an 8 year old age statement, but distillery bottlings first appeared around the 1950s. The look of the brand has changed many times over the years, but its cult following and popularity has never diminished. It remains one of the most recognisable single malts in the world to this day.

This 12 year old malt was bottled in the early 1970s. This is the first iteration of the Highland Park single malt brand introduced by Highland Distillers. When this 12 year old age-statement was first bottled in the 1960s, the labels shared the same aesthetic with the company's other distilleries, Tamdhu and Glenrothes.

H.S.Barton 1917 Kentucky Tavern Whiskey 15 Year Old Pint / Prohibition Era Bottling

A fascinating bottle of Kentucky whiskey, bottled for Medicinal use at the height of Prohibition in the 1920s. Prohibition had outlawed the production and sale of alcohol in the US with only a strict exemption that allowed it to be sold as a medicinal prescription or weekly baker's ration.

Yamazaki Mizunara 2022 Edition

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

Mizunara (Japanese Oak) is famous for imparting its own characteristics onto the whisky stored within them such as sandalwood and other notes. This was released in 2022 as part of the Tsukuriwake selection.

Highland Park 1973 Dragon

A legendary Highland Park, distilled in 1973 and bottled by Robertson of Kirkwall.

The 1973 Dragon rarely appears at auction, these Robertson's of Kirkwall bottlings are very highly regarded.

The Dragon from which this whisky takes its name comes from the 12th century carving in Maes Howe neolithic tomb, Orkney.

Bottled at 20 years old from cask #13313, in a 75cl bottle with gold capsule.

Highland Park Valhalla Collection 4 x 70cl

Highland Park was built by David Robertson all the way back in 1798. The distillery's relationship with blenders, Robertson & Baxter, saw it acquired by Highland Distillers in 1937, who were subsequently bought by Edrington in 1999, who run it today. The modern Highland Park single malt brand was first officially bottled in the 1970s, with the release of an 8 year old age statement, but distillery bottlings first appeared around the 1950s. The look of the brand has changed many times over the years, but its cult following and popularity has never diminished. It remains one of the most recognisable single malts in the world to this day.

Thor, Loki, Freya and Odin were bottled annually between 2012 and 2015.

• Highland Park Thor 16 Year Old 52.1% 70cl - One of 23,000 bottles
• Highland Park Loki 15 Year Old 48.7% 70cl - One of 21,000 bottles
• Highland Park Freya 15 Year Old 51.2% 70cl - One of 19,000 bottles
• Highland Park Odin 16 Year Old 55.8% 70cl - One of 17,000 bottles

This lot will include a four bottle shipping fee.

NOTE: Please be advised that the printed bottle graphics have a history of deteriorating from the glass over time. 

Highland Park 30 Year Old pre-2013

Highland Park was built by David Robertson all the way back in 1798. The distillery's relationship with blenders, Robertson & Baxter, saw it acquired by Highland Distillers in 1937, who were subsequently bought by Edrington in 1999, who run it today. The modern Highland Park single malt brand was first officially bottled in the 1970s, with the release of an 8 year old age statement, but distillery bottlings first appeared around the 1950s. The look of the brand has changed many times over the years, but its cult following and popularity has never diminished. It remains one of the most recognisable single malts in the world to this day.

First bottled in 2005, the 30 year old is a highly acclaimed whisky from this Orcadian distillery.

This version, bottled at a strength of 48.1% ABV, was produced between 2007 and 2013. The strength was subsequently reduced and the packaging updated.

Hennessy Private Reserve Lot No.3 Grande Champagne Cognac

When the Irish Jacobite, Richard Hennessy, founded a distillery in 1765, he could not have possibly foreseen the scale to which his fledgling business would grow. Hennessy found himself in the right place at the right time as trade in alcoholic spirits was booming, extremely popular not only with the French but also with many people within the British Empire. In addition, Hennessy and the other cognac producers at the time also benefitted from rum shortages due to the Seven Years War. Fast forward to the 1970s and Kilian Hennessy, a fifth-generation descendant of Richard became the CEO of the family business. In 1971 she oversaw the merger of the business with French wine giant, Moët & Chandon, which created one of the biggest drinks companies in the world. The business was further strengthened in 1987 by the merger with fashion house, Louis Vuitton to create LVMH, however due to a managerial crisis the following year, Guinness (now Diageo) also came on board by securing a 34% share. Today Hennessy sell around 50 million bottles of cognac per year and account for more than 40% of the world’s supply.

A Private Reserve release from the world famous houe of Hennessy. This is from Lot No.3. and was produced exclusively from grapes grown in the Grande Champagne region of Cognac.

Yamazaki Bordeaux Wine Cask 2020 Edition

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

The 2020 special release matured in a Bordeaux wine cask as part of the Tsukuriwake selection.

Highland Park 1988 Samaroli Perfection #820 / 50th Anniversary

Highland Park was built by David Robertson all the way back in 1798. The distillery's relationship with blenders, Robertson & Baxter, saw it acquired by Highland Distillers in 1937, who were subsequently bought by Edrington in 1999, who run it today. The modern Highland Park single malt brand was first officially bottled in the 1970s, with the release of an 8 year old age statement, but distillery bottlings first appeared around the 1950s. The look of the brand has changed many times over the years, but its cult following and popularity has never diminished. It remains one of the most recognisable single malts in the world to this day.

This Highland Park, titled Perfection, was bottled from single cask #820 for the company's 50th anniversary in 2018.

Samaroli are perhaps Italy's most revered independent bottler of Scotch whisky. With an impeccable taste in single cask whiskies, and an eye for aesthetics (if not English spelling at times!), founder Silvano Samaroli is regarded by many as a visionary. Since his passing in 2017, the company has been run by his friend Antonio Bleve, who continues his tradition of high quality releases. Many of Silvano’s early bottlings occupy deserved spots on the pantheon of all-time whisky greats.

One of only 240 bottles. 

Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt / Suntory Whisky 100th Anniversary

Hakushu was the third distillery built by Suntory, established in 1973 to shoulder some of the malt production burden for Yamazaki. The latter’s grain production had moved entirely to the new Chita distillery the year prior as well. Hakushu was built at the foot of the Southern Japan Alps, a location deliberately chosen by Suntory to provide a contrast to the style of spirit produced at Yamazaki. Interestingly, a second distillery was built in 1981 (referred to as Hakushu East) which has stills of varying shapes and sizes which are able to produce a wide range of distillate character. This is in contrast to the now-dormant old site (referred to as Hakushu West) which had 24 large stills identical in shape and size, but only capable of producing one particular style of distillate. The first Hakushu single malt was bottled in 1994.

This 18 year old has been produced using peated malt, and bottled in 2023 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Suntory Whisky.

One of 2,000 bottles. 

Hibiki 12 Year Old Kacho Fugetsu Limited Edition

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. The 12 year old Hibiki was introduced to the range in 2009, but was discontinued in favour of a new non-age statement Japanese Harmony as the entry level product in 2015.

This limited edition follows the theme of Kacho Fugetsu, the Japanese Kanji for Flowers, Birds, Breeze, and Lunar. This bottle is designed to embody the beauty of Japanese nature.

Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt / Suntory Whisky 100th Anniversary

Hakushu was the third distillery built by Suntory, established in 1973 to shoulder some of the malt production burden for Yamazaki. The latter’s grain production had moved entirely to the new Chita distillery the year prior as well. Hakushu was built at the foot of the Southern Japan Alps, a location deliberately chosen by Suntory to provide a contrast to the style of spirit produced at Yamazaki. Interestingly, a second distillery was built in 1981 (referred to as Hakushu East) which has stills of varying shapes and sizes which are able to produce a wide range of distillate character. This is in contrast to the now-dormant old site (referred to as Hakushu West) which had 24 large stills identical in shape and size, but only capable of producing one particular style of distillate. The first Hakushu single malt was bottled in 1994.

This 18 year old has been produced using peated malt, and bottled in 2023 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Suntory Whisky.

One of 2,000 bottles. 

Hakushu Spanish Oak 2021 Edition

Hakushu was the third distillery built by Suntory, established in 1973 to shoulder some of the malt production burden for Yamazaki. The latter’s grain production had moved entirely to the new Chita distillery the year prior as well. Hakushu was built at the foot of the Southern Japan Alps, a location deliberately chosen by Suntory to provide a contrast to the style of spirit produced at Yamazaki. Interestingly, a second distillery was built in 1981 (referred to as Hakushu East) which has stills of varying shapes and sizes which are able to produce a wide range of distillate character. This is in contrast to the now-dormant old site (referred to as Hakushu West) which had 24 large stills identical in shape and size, but only capable of producing one particular style of distillate. The first Hakushu single malt was bottled in 1994.

Bottled as part of the Tsukuriwake selection, this whisky has been aged in Spanish oak and was released in late 2021.

Only 300 bottles were made available in Japan followed by an undisclosed number for worldwide markets. 

Hakushu Sherry Cask 2013 18cl

Hakushu was the third distillery built by Suntory, established in 1973 to shoulder some of the malt production burden for Yamazaki. The latter’s grain production had moved entirely to the new Chita distillery the year prior as well. Hakushu was built at the foot of the Southern Japan Alps, a location deliberately chosen by Suntory to provide a contrast to the style of spirit produced at Yamazaki. Interestingly, a second distillery was built in 1981 (referred to as Hakushu East) which has stills of varying shapes and sizes which are able to produce a wide range of distillate character. This is in contrast to the now-dormant old site (referred to as Hakushu West) which had 24 large stills identical in shape and size, but only capable of producing one particular style of distillate. The first Hakushu single malt was bottled in 1994.

A very limited release from Hakushu, matured exclusively in sherry casks and limited to 3,000 bottles.